§ MR. CHARLES ROBERTS (Lincoln)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that it was decided in the case of R. v. Ashton (1852) that dominoes are a legal game in public-houses, and that most games combining skill and chance are by law allowed on licensed premises, provided that they are not played for money or money's worth; and whether in fact any regulations exist which justify police intervention to prevent anyone from playing such games under such conditions in London.
§ MR. GLADSTONELicence holders are prohibited from suffering any gaming or any unlawful game to be carried on upon their premises. The decided cases, including that mentioned by my hon. friend, show that some games are unlawful in themselves, and others are prohibited upon licensed premises when played for money, that is to say, when they involve "gaming." The case quoted decided that the game of dominoes is not an unlawful game, and that it may be played on licensed premises if not played for money. The Metropolitan police do not intervene unless gaming or the playing of unlawful games takes place.
§ MR. CHARLES ROBERTSIs it then the case that there is already liberty to play dominoes in public-houses everywhere, including London?
§ MR. GLADSTONEYes, but not for money.
§ MR. LEIF JONES (Westmoreland, Appleby)Will my right hon. friend cause a copy of that Answer to be sent to the Leader of the Opposition, who has publicly complained that he is not allowed to play dominoes in public-houses?
[No Answer was returned.]